2010 Fall Modified Athletes and Parents Player/Parent/Coaches Meeting

“There are no championships at modified level. That is because modified level is about development. We want as many kids and parents, as possible, participating and involved.” These words spoken by Brad Dates, athletic director, highlighted the theme of the Marcellus Central School District Fall 2010 Modified Athletes’ and Parents’ Player/Parent/Coach meeting held on September 14, 2010 in the Aitchison Auditorium at Driver Middle School. The Marcellus athletic program holds player/parent/coach meetings at the beginning of each season for all levels of competition: modified, junior varsity, varsity. The meetings are designed to outline athletic program goals/expectations as well as providing time for individual coaches to share expectations relative to their respective programs. More than 200 student athletes and parents gathered for the September 14th modified meeting as Dates emphasized the various components of the Marcellus athletic program. Dates opened up the meeting by giving an overview of the IMPACT Concussion Management program, a new initiative in the district. The IMPACT approach allows for “all those involved with your child’s school experience to best address what is needed if a head injury occurs”. The program involves both cognitive pre and post-testing to better assess treatment options should a concussion or head trauma occur. Additional items covered at the 2010 Modified Athletics meeting included:
• Heat index state recommended guidelines
• Thunder and lightning safety
• Academic eligibility criteria and guidelines
• Marcellus Sports Booster Club; opportunities for parents
• Resources for information: coaches, players, school website, athletic plan

Dates also reviewed the goals of the Marcellus Central School District Athletic Program which emphasize that:
• Modified sports is to gain experience and is not defined by wins
• Team competition is designed to promote team development and individual growth
• Sportsmanship is emphasized on and off the field
Following the general meeting in the Aitchison Auditorium, individual coaches held break-out meetings for their respective teams.